The Atlanta Braves are making their first moves of September, adding right-handed pitching prospect Blake Burkhalter and veteran infielder Kyle Farmer to the major-league roster as MLB’s active-roster limit expands from 26 to 28 players. The two additions give Atlanta a combination of youthful upside and experienced depth as the club enters the most important stretch of the 2026 regular season. Burkhalter is the more intriguing addition from a long-term perspective, as the former second-round pick is set to make his major-league debut after an impressive season in the Braves’ minor-league system. Farmer, meanwhile, returns to Atlanta after previously being released and re-signed on a minor-league contract, giving the Braves another versatile veteran who can provide infield depth when needed.
The timing of the moves is significant. Atlanta is entering September with postseason ambitions, meaning these two roster additions are not simply about rewarding minor-league performance. The Braves need players capable of contributing immediately, particularly with the schedule becoming more demanding and the club preparing for a stretch that includes series against the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies. The decision to add one pitcher and one position player also follows the current roster-expansion rules, which allow teams to increase their active roster to 28 players during September.
Blake Burkhalter Finally Gets His Major-League Opportunity
The biggest storyline surrounding Atlanta’s September moves is undoubtedly Burkhalter.
The 25-year-old right-hander, who turns 26 later this month, was selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft after starring at Auburn. Since joining the organization, however, his path to the majors has been anything but straightforward. Injuries interrupted his development, most notably Tommy John surgery in March 2023 that forced him to miss the entire season. His perseverance has now paid off, with the Braves giving him an opportunity to pitch in the majors for the first time.
Burkhalter has earned the promotion through his performance rather than simply his draft pedigree. He has worked primarily as a reliever this season and has been highly effective, particularly at Triple-A Gwinnett. In 16 appearances covering 24⅓ innings for the Stripers, he posted a 1.48 ERA and 1.151 WHIP, while striking out hitters at an impressive rate. Across all of his minor-league appearances this season, he has recorded a 1.26 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 35⅔ innings, equating to 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings.
Those numbers help explain why Atlanta believes Burkhalter deserves a chance against major-league hitters.
His fastball and cutter are regarded as two of his most notable pitches, with both receiving above-average grades from prospect evaluators. He also throws a curveball and changeup, giving him a four-pitch arsenal that could allow the Braves to use him in different situations. His cutter, in particular, has become one of the more highly regarded pitches in Atlanta’s farm system.
Burkhalter Offers More Than a One-Inning Option
One of the most intriguing aspects of Burkhalter’s promotion is his ability to provide length.
Although he has transitioned from a starting-pitching background into a bullpen role, the Braves have continued to use him for more than a single inning when necessary. He has worked two or more innings on seven occasions at Triple-A, suggesting that Atlanta could use him as a long reliever or bridge option rather than limiting him strictly to short appearances.
That versatility could become extremely valuable during September.
The Braves already have one of baseball’s better-performing bullpens, with Atlanta relievers carrying a 3.39 ERA, fourth-best in the majors according to recent reporting. Adding another effective arm gives manager Walt Weiss more flexibility while allowing some of his higher-leverage relievers to receive additional rest.
Weiss has also been impressed by Burkhalter for some time. The Braves manager noted that the organization liked the right-hander even before his major injury and that his return has been a long road. Burkhalter’s recent performance has now put him in position to finally show what he can do at the highest level.
A Dream Come True for the Former Auburn Star
The call-up carries an especially strong personal meaning for Burkhalter.
A native of Alabama and former Auburn standout, Burkhalter grew up as a Braves fan. He has recalled attending his first Braves game at seven years old at Turner Field, where a family member gave him an Andruw Jones shirt to wear.
Now, years later, he is preparing to wear the Braves uniform himself.
Burkhalter learned about his promotion after pitching two scoreless innings and striking out four for Gwinnett in Louisville. His manager delivered the news after the game, prompting Burkhalter to immediately call his wife, parents, cousin and close friends. He described the opportunity as a dream and expressed gratitude for finally reaching the major leagues after years of injuries and rehabilitation.
That emotional journey adds another layer to what could become one of the more compelling September stories for the Braves.
Kyle Farmer Returns to Atlanta
While Burkhalter represents the future, Farmer provides something entirely different: experience.
The 36-year-old infielder originally made Atlanta’s Opening Day roster and appeared in 12 games before a right forearm strain sidelined him. He began a rehabilitation assignment in June and was eventually released by the Braves in July. Rather than ending his relationship with the organization permanently, Farmer returned on a minor-league contract and continued playing with Gwinnett.
His second opportunity with Atlanta comes largely because of his versatility.
Farmer has experience at multiple infield positions and has also worked behind the plate during his rehabilitation assignment. That flexibility could be particularly useful for a Braves club trying to protect its roster depth during the final weeks of the season. He can serve as a pinch hitter, defensive replacement or emergency option at several positions without requiring Atlanta to dedicate another roster spot to a specialist.
Farmer’s offensive numbers have not been spectacular, however.
He hit .256 in 24 games with Gwinnett after returning to the organization. During his earlier major-league stint with Atlanta, he went 4-for-15 with one extra-base hit and three RBIs. That suggests the Braves are not bringing him back because they expect him to suddenly become a middle-of-the-order contributor. Instead, his value lies in his experience, versatility and ability to remain ready even when he is not playing every day.
Why Farmer’s Versatility Matters
The decision to choose Farmer instead of another young position player makes more sense when Atlanta’s roster construction is considered.
The Braves have increasingly used Sean Murphy at catcher and Drake Baldwin as the designated hitter, creating situations in which losing the DH could become an issue if Murphy has to leave a game or if Atlanta needs another catching option. Farmer’s ability to handle catching gives the club an additional layer of protection without requiring Atlanta to call up a dedicated catcher and potentially weaken its minor-league depth.
He can also play shortstop and third base, giving the Braves additional insurance around the infield.
That flexibility becomes especially important during a long September schedule, when injuries and fatigue can force teams to make unexpected lineup changes.
Braves Are Betting on Youth and Experience
The two call-ups illustrate a deliberate balance in Atlanta’s roster strategy.
Burkhalter is being given an opportunity to establish himself as a potential future bullpen piece, while Farmer provides insurance and veteran depth for the immediate playoff push. One player could become part of Atlanta’s longer-term plans; the other is being asked to help the club navigate the final month of the season.
For Burkhalter, September represents a legitimate audition.
If he performs well against major-league hitters, he could remain in the bullpen beyond the initial roster expansion and potentially earn consideration for a postseason role. His strikeout ability, cutter and capacity to pitch multiple innings make him particularly interesting for a Braves team that could benefit from another reliable arm.
A strong September would also give Atlanta another internal pitching option heading into the offseason.
A Crucial Month Begins
The Braves’ September schedule immediately provides meaningful opportunities.
After their matchup with San Francisco, Atlanta is scheduled to travel to Washington for a two-game series against the Nationals before heading to Philadelphia for a four-game series against the Phillies. That stretch will provide Burkhalter with a potentially challenging introduction to the major leagues if he is used early.
There is little time for the young right-hander to ease into the competition.
But that is also what makes his promotion so exciting. Atlanta believes his minor-league performance has prepared him for the challenge, and the organization now has an opportunity to see whether his impressive numbers translate against established major-league hitters.
For Farmer, the mission is simpler: stay ready, provide depth and help the Braves navigate whatever roster situations arise.
What This Means for the Braves’ Postseason Push
Atlanta’s decision to promote Burkhalter and Farmer ultimately reflects the reality of September baseball. At this stage of the season, every roster spot matters.
The Braves are not simply looking for names to fill two additional positions. They are searching for players who can provide specific value.
Burkhalter offers power, strikeouts and potentially multiple innings from the bullpen. Farmer offers experience, positional versatility and roster flexibility.
If Burkhalter can turn his outstanding Triple-A season into effective major-league outings, the Braves may have discovered another important piece for their bullpen at exactly the right time. If Farmer can remain dependable in his limited opportunities, he could give Atlanta valuable protection as injuries and fatigue inevitably become factors.
For Burkhalter, however, this moment is about more than roster construction.
After being drafted in 2022, enduring Tommy John surgery, battling through additional setbacks and eventually reinventing himself as a reliever, he has finally reached the destination he has been chasing.
The Braves are giving Blake Burkhalter his first shot at the majors and September could determine whether that first opportunity becomes the beginning of a permanent role in Atlanta.
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